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Westfield Young Matildas kick off with a win

The Westfield Young Matildas have kicked off their AFC U19 Qualification campaign with a solid 3-0 against Chinese Taipei at the KLFA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Westfield Young Matildas have kicked-off their campaign to qualify for the AFC U-19 Women-s Championships 2009 in sensational style defeating Chinese Taipei 0-3 in Kuala Lumpur.

From the beginning it was clear that Chinese Taipei were playing a defensive game and the Westfield Young Matildas eventually broke through their lines with Kyah Simon grabbing the first of two first half goals in the 35th minute and adding the second just minutes before half time.

Perth Glory-s Ella Mastrantonio scored Australia-s third in the 58th minute, to round out a comfortable win.

“The hot and humid conditions proved challenging however given this win, I know we will go into our next game against India with confidence,” said head coach Alen Stajcic.

“There were some good phases of play however we need to lift the quality of our game to the level that I know we are capable of.

“Our aim is of course to qualify for 2009 and this has been a good first step towards that goal,” he added.

With just a few days preparation in Kuala Lumpur, the first match was always going to be one of adjustment for the players to the hot and humid conditions, plus the defensive tactics of their opponent-s and so it proved.

While Australia applied all the early pressure, they found it hard to get meaningful shots at goal, with Simon-s opening goal finally breaking the shackles. Somehow Mastrantonio-s corner got through to her at the back post and her low shot gave their keeper no chance.

Eight minutes later, Simon doubled the lead, racing onto a terrific through ball from Angelo Fimmano and again her low finish from just inside box was too good for the keeper.

Five minutes after the break, Simon was denied a hat-trick by the keeper, blocking away her shot after she was put through again one-on-one.

Australia-s early second pressure finally paid off when Marianna Tabain got in behind the defence, cutting the ball back to the centre and Mastrantonio raced onto and finished inside the left post.

Simon was again denied a hat-trick ten minutes later, when her shot was blocked by the keeper and her second effort was blazed over the bar.

Australia continued to create the better chances for the remainder of the match, but was unable to add to its three-goal tally.